physical therapist assistant essay

PT School Consulting

Mentoring Services for the Life Cycle of the PT Student

How Do I Write My PTCAS Essay (Personal Statement)?

The PT School application process is challenging, to say the least. But, it’s incredibly rewarding, because at the end of this process you’ll be on your way to starting your career and getting your dream job as a physical therapist.

One of the most important parts of the PT School application process is the personal statement , or the essay . Each year, the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service ( PTCAS ) sets a specific prompt for the personal statement. This personal statement is submitted to every school to which you apply. In short, it’s a chance for you to set yourself apart from the other applicants. So, how do you write your PTCAS essay ? Let’s dive in to learn more about this part of the application process, and learn more about our services to help you with your personal statement here !

What is a Personal Statement?

A Personal Statement is an essay that explains your background and allows you to describe yourself. It’s a common requirement for graduate schools and jobs, so it’s especially important for you to use the personal statement to explain why you want to pursue this opportunity.

A Personal Statement can be a general description of yourself or it can answer a specific prompt . It’s common for graduate schools to ask specific questions for the Personal Statement.¹ In this case, the Personal Statement is a chance for you to show the admissions committee who you are beyond the data in your application . In an essay format, you can expand upon your character, goals, and background, allowing the admissions committee to get to know you.

What Should I Know About a Physical Therapy Personal Statement?

PTCAS Personal Statement prompts can vary in topics, but ultimately they touch on the physical therapy profession. It’s important that you answer the PTCAS question in your essay. But you should also view this as an opportunity to describe yourself to the admissions committees. Keep in mind that these committees are reviewing hundreds, or even thousands, of applications each year. Use this opportunity to set yourself apart .

In your essay, you should explain why you want to become a physical therapist, but try to avoid using a common reason such as “I want to help people.” Show the admissions committee your passion for physical therapy and prove to them why you belong in physical therapy school and why you’re going to become a great physical therapist.

Above all, remember that through the 4,500 characters in your essay, you’re not just telling the admissions committees who you are… you’re showing them.

Contact us today with any questions or for help with your PT school personal statement!

Lab P. The Personal Statement // Purdue Writing Lab. Purdue Writing Lab. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/job_search_writing/preparing_an_application/writing_the_personal_statement/index.html. Published 2020. Accessed July 26, 2020.

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Physical Therapist Assistant Essays

Career research project, popular essay topics.

• American Dream
• Artificial Intelligence
• Black Lives Matter
• Bullying Essay
• Career Goals Essay
• Causes of the Civil War
• Child Abusing
• Civil Rights Movement
• Community Service
• Cultural Identity
• Cyber Bullying
• Death Penalty
• Depression Essay
• Domestic Violence
• Freedom of Speech
• Global Warming
• Gun Control
• Human Trafficking
• I Believe Essay
• Immigration
• Importance of Education
• Israel and Palestine Conflict
• Leadership Essay
• Legalizing Marijuanas
• Mental Health
• National Honor Society
• Police Brutality
• Pollution Essay
• Racism Essay
• Romeo and Juliet
• Same Sex Marriages
• Social Media
• The Great Gatsby
• The Yellow Wallpaper
• Time Management
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Violent Video Games
• What Makes You Unique
• Why I Want to Be a Nurse
• Send us an e-mail

The Relationship Between Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Components of the Preferred Physical Therapist/Physical Therapist Assistant Relationship

There are diverse elements, which guide the mutual relationship between “Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA’s)” (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011). The elements include trust, mutual respect, and appreciation for individual and conventional differences among others. The roles played by the PTA’s in this kind of association involve making proposals, providing responses, performing approved responsibilities, and ensuring open communication with the PT (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011).

The free and open communication enables the PTA’s to provide their responses and express their thoughts regarding clinical issues and challenges. The PT and PTA jointly adjust the communication between them to provide appropriate treatment to clients, work together, guarantee suitable care under management settings, and provide education to clients, relatives, caregivers, and other treatment providers (Skinner & McVey, 2011).

In the future, I plan to ensure that this kind of affiliation is applicable while working with PTA’s. The notable things that can be done include inviting the PTA’s to assist during initial examination services (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011). The PTA’s will help in collecting data about the clients. However, caution will be taken to ensure that the participation of the PTA’s does not violate legal, field of practice, and moral principles. It will also be appropriate to delegate some client intervention and management activities to the PTA’s. There will be continuous communication between the PT and PTA (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011).

The PTA will be assigned to gather data about the clients while they provide them with care management services. The PTA will be instructed to share the findings with the PT for – examination. The PT will review the new data on the impact of treatment on the client. The reviewed information will be used to improve the care management strategy. The PTA shall implement the new client intervention strategy (Skinner & McVey, 2011). However, the PT will supervise the implementation process.

Differences in the academic preparation of physical therapists versus that of physical therapist assistants provide the rationale for why these differences exist

The training PTs obtain enables them to undertake “examination, evaluation, diagnosis, injury treatment, mobility difficulties, and disabilities” among others in clients (Skinner & McVey, 2011). Conversely, the training offered to the PTA’s enables them to provide care, support, and physical handling of clients under a management strategy developed by the PT. In other instances, the PTA’s may develop clients’ care management strategies under the direction of the PTs (Skinner & McVey, 2011). This is notable because some physical injuries may not be very serious and experienced PTA’s can handle clients with such wounds. This is more common under direct personal supervision where the PTA’s may develop and implement a client intervention plan of action under the control of the PTs (Skinner & McVey, 2011).

The academic training of PTs is a degree program leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). However, some PTs can obtain a bachelor’s degree. The World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) proposes that the entry-level training for PTs should start at the university for not less than four years (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011). An autonomous body must corroborate and certify whether the training provided to the graduates meets the legal and professional recognition.

Conversely, the PTA’s instructive training results in a two-year certification upon completion of studies (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011). The PTA’s obtain an associate of science. It is notable that some institutions also offer associate of applied science degrees to the PTA’s (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011). The PTA’s training is supervised and certified by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011)

The educational training for PTs also provides trainees with understanding, skills, and characteristics as portrayed in the guidelines. The training provides PTs with skills that enable them to gain independence and abilities to practice in partnership with other healthcare professionals (Skinner & McVey, 2011). On the other hand, PTs can employ the PTA’s. The PTA’s lacks the autonomy to engage in private practice.

The training curriculum utilized in educating PTs offers content and knowledge experiences in other core areas such as clinical sciences. The PT’s curriculum also enables them to gain skills for “screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, intervention, provision of culturally sensitive and competent services as well as prevention, well being promotion, and wellness” among others (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011).

The curricula used for training the PTA’s has learning areas such as anatomy and exercise physiology, human biology, clinical pathology, behavioral sciences, and communication among others. This means that PTA’s training is not as advanced as that of the PTs. It is for this reason that the PTA’s lack the skills and knowledge to perform the treatment and intervention tasks accomplished by the PTs.

Rationale for the Educational Preparation between PT’s and PTA’s

The rationale for the differences in the educational preparation of PTs and PTA’s entail the need to create a hierarchy in the profession. The PTs or DPT’s have advanced training so that they can become the best professionals in the field with the capacity to offer interventions competently. Conversely, the PTs receive the training to enable them to assist in the profession (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011). The services provided by the PTs are advanced including “examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and developing intervention plans” (Bandy & Sanders, 2008).

The PTA’s particularly provide support to the PTs within the professional practice. After the PTs diagnose and develop a plan of action to be used in clients’ intervention, the PTA’s shall provide care services but with the supervision of PTs (Bandy & Sanders, 2008). Furthermore, the PTs play a significant role in the expansion of the profession through investigation, teaching, and private practice. The training offered to them enables them to develop skills for research and teaching.

Differentiate between the 3 levels of supervision that have been delineated according to the APTA and indicate which one is required in NJ for physical therapist assistants

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) proposes diverse supervisions levels. Firstly, general supervision entails the anticipation that the physical therapist must not be available at the care facility but should be accessible through telecommunications (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011). Secondly, direct supervision is the expectation that the physical therapist shall be present at the facility and shall be accessible for immediate provision of the way forward and assistance (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011). Therefore, the clients shall interact directly with the professional on a 24-hour basis. Direct supervision does not require that physical therapists utilize telecommunications.

Lastly, direct personal supervision entails the requirement that the physical therapist is present at the therapy facility and instantly accessible to map the direction and supervise activities that are linked to client management (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011). The provision of direction and overseeing client management activities are required to continue without stopping until the process is completed. In some cases, where legally acceptable, the physical therapist assistants may undertake these procedures (Skinner & McVey, 2011).

The New Jersey Act proposes that PTA’s can offer direct personal supervision. However, this should take place with certain restrictions. The physical therapist must be available when the PTA is offering personal supervision and care management. New Jersey provided this directive although Medicare proposes general supervision (Dreeben-Irimia, 2011). The state’s practice act also proposes that direct supervision should apply instead of general supervision. Consequently, both the physical therapist and the assistant must conform to this prerequisite.

Bandy, W. D., & Sanders, B. (2008). Therapeutic exercise for physical therapist assistants . Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

Dreeben-Irimia, O. (2011). Introduction to physical therapy for physical therapist assistants . Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Skinner, S. B., & McVey, C. (2011). Clinical decision making for the physical therapist assistant . Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

• Marketing Plan for Astra Agro Lestari Tbk PT’s Palm Plantation
• Digital Technology in Healthcare
• Patient Response to Aggressive Pharmacological Treatment
• Treatment Programs for the Offenders
• Music in Parental Participation in Pediatric Laceration
• Pre-operative Education: Advantages and Disadvantages
• Discharge Planning After Hip Surgery
• Tracheostomy Care Training: Objectives and Strategies
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, April 6). The Relationship Between Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-relationship-between-physical-therapist-and-physical-therapist-assistant/

"The Relationship Between Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant." IvyPanda , 6 Apr. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/the-relationship-between-physical-therapist-and-physical-therapist-assistant/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'The Relationship Between Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant'. 6 April.

IvyPanda . 2022. "The Relationship Between Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant." April 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-relationship-between-physical-therapist-and-physical-therapist-assistant/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Relationship Between Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant." April 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-relationship-between-physical-therapist-and-physical-therapist-assistant/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Relationship Between Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant." April 6, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-relationship-between-physical-therapist-and-physical-therapist-assistant/.

• 8-Week FOCUS Pathways
• Academic Advising
• Academic Affairs
• Academic Calendar
• Act 48 Academy
• Apprentice Programs
• Center For Education, Innovation & Training
• Course Offering Options
• Online Catalog
• Partnerships
• Pittsburgh Technical College
• Registration
• Virtual Campus
• Work-Based Learning

Program Pathways

• Arts & Humanities
• Business & Accounting
• Computer Information Technology
• Culinary Arts, Hospitality & Tourism
• Engineering, Electronics & Design
• General Studies & Liberal Arts
• Industrial Technology, Trades & Transportation
• Nursing & Allied Health
• Science & Mathematics
• Social Sciences & Education
• College Credit FastTrack
• Dual Enrollment
• Early College Program
• Enrollment Services
• GED Information
• Orientation
• Placement Testing
• Transfer from Secondary CTC
• Transfer Services

What Type of Student Are You?

• Current CCAC Student
• Dual Enrollment Student
• Homeschool Student
• International Student
• Military & Veteran Student
• New Student
• Returning Student
• Transfer to CCAC Student
• Visiting Student

Cost & Aid

• Estimating Your Cost
• Financial Aid
• Parenting Scholars Program
• Pittsburgh Promise
• Scholarships
• Tuition & Cost

Campus Life

• Campus Cupboard & Closet
• Campus Highlights
• Clubs & Organizations
• Fitness Centers
• Honors Program
• Maps & Directions
• Safety & Security
• Student ID & Parking Permits
• Student Life

Student Support

• Career Services & Job Readiness
• Career Tech Education Services
• CCAC Roadmap
• Child Care Resources
• Counseling Services
• Deans of Students
• Disability Services
• Guns Down, Level Up
• HBCU Transfer Equity Initiative
• Information Technology Services
• KEYS Program
• Library Services
• Military & Veteran Services
• Resource Navigators
• Student Success Coaches

Workforce & Community

• Community Education
• Community Impact Fellowship Program
• Community Training & Development
• Professional Development & Continuing Education
• Public Safety Institute
• Workforce Development
• Achieving the Dream
• Assessment & Institutional Effectiveness
• Board of Trustees
• CCAC Educational Foundation
• CCAC Events
• CCAC Facilities
• CCAC Newsroom
• Cares Act Reports
• Civic Engagement
• College Forms
• College Policies
• Contact CCAC
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Doing Business with CCAC
• Hidden Gems
• Marketing & Public Relations
• Middle States Accreditation Self-Study
• Meet the Faculty
• Office of the President
• Office of Sponsored Programs & Research
• Student Achievement
• Working at CCAC
• Years of Service
• Request Info

Quick Links

You are in a quick links window. Press the escape key to exit.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Why become a physical therapist assistant.

Physical therapist assistants play an important role in the rehabilitation and treatment of patients with diverse medical conditions or injuries. Through the use of therapeutic modalities, exercise and other techniques, physical therapy assists patients in the relief of pain and discomfort as well as restoring optimal function. Graduates of this program are prepared to perform entry-level physical therapy procedures and related tasks under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Clinical education experiences in a wide variety of health care facilities are provided.

Employment opportunities are rapidly increasing in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, schools, patients' homes, sports medicine clinics and private practices.

Graduates are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. 

Application to Apply to the Physical Therapy Assistant Program is Now Open!

Please click the link below to complete your application. Before applying, be sure to apply to CCAC through the general application here . If you experience any technical difficulties, please email [email protected] .

Accreditation

Number of Programs Offered: 1

Program Type: Associate

Date of Next Review: June 30, 2025

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: [email protected] ; website: http://www.capteonline.org . If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 724-325-6643 or email [email protected] .

Formal Complaints About Programs/CAPTE Complaints are submitted to the Department of Accreditation, APTA, 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085.

PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet

Middle States Accreditation

In addition to the accreditation by CAPTE, CCAC's Physical Therapist Assistant program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Status: Accreditation Reaffirmed Last Reaffirmation: 2018 Next Self-Study Evaluation: 2025-2026

For more information, visit CCAC's institutional page.

Middle States Action Letter June 2017

Middle States Action Letter June 2018

Middle States Action Letter June 2019

Physical Therapist Assistant, A.S. (628.2)

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is designed to prepare graduates to perform physical therapy procedures and related tasks under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Graduates complete 715 hours of supervised clinical experience that is coordinated with 450 hours of classroom learning. The physical therapist assistant (PTA) performs a variety of treatment procedures in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, schools, patient homes, sports medicine clinics and private practices. 

Take the Next Step

This data is national aggregate data, which may or may not be reflective of current local labor market circumstances.

Admission to the Physical Therapist Assistant Program

The PTA program has limited enrollment. A complete online application is required for consideration for PTA program admission. Applicants are encouraged to save copies of all online application documents. Applications are accepted November 1 through March 1.  Applications submitted after March 1 will be placed in the applicant pool. 

Application Requirements 

The following steps are required for a student applying to the Physical Therapist Assistant program:

• Apply to the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC).
• Applicants who have college-level courses from other institutions must submit official transcripts to [email protected]. Applicants must include an unofficial copy of transcripts and a copy of your transcript evaluation summary in the application packet.
• Meet with an Academic Advisor.
• Complete General Biology (BIO-151) or Introduction to Biological Sciences (BIO-110) with a "C" or better
• Exception: Successful completion of Anatomy and Physiology course equivalent to CCAC BIO 161 Anatomy and Physiology 1. BIO 161
• Anatomy and Physiology 1 and BIO 162 Anatomy and Physiology 2 courses must have been successfully completed with a letter grade of "C" or better within the last ten (10) years.
• Students who have enrolled in the same developmental course more than three (3) times will not be considered for acceptance in an Allied Health program. Students who have enrolled in the same science course more than three (3) time will not be considered for acceptance.
• A "W" or "I" grade also count as an enrollment attempt. 

Required Materials

• Submit a complete online Allied Health Programs Application.
• Submit a completed PTA Total Admission Score (TAS) Sheet in the application packet. 
• A minimum TAS of 3.0 or higher is required to apply.
• Submit a copy of your unofficial transcript.  This is required even if you are a prior or current CCAC student.
• Submit a completed and signed Clinical Observation Form (Job Shadowing). 
• Submit a completed Essential Functions Form.
• Submit your Self Essay.

The intent of the Self Essay is to provide an opportunity to reflect on your experiences and goals as well as to research the profession. Your life experiences and career exploration activities should assist you in writing your essay. 

Self Essay Requirements:

• Use college level English writing.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Typed one to two (1-2) pages in length.
• Use standard twelve (12) point font.
• Your full name
• Address, phone and email address
• CCAC Student ID number
• Education (high school to present) 
• Related personal or family medical experiences (optional)
• Volunteer work or community service
• Hobbies and interests
• Awards and honors
• Memberships
• A brief definition of your major field of interest, in your own words.
• A brief explanation of your choice of career goal.
• A brief summary of your self-perceived strengths and weakness.
• A brief summary of your educational and career goals.

Online applications are accepted November 1 through March 1.

Applications submitted after March 1st will be placed in the applicant pool for consideration in the event a seat becomes available. 

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Outcomes

Contact Information

Dr. stephen bannister.

• 724.325.6643
• [email protected]

Email us to request more information!

If you would like more information about our Allied Health programs, please email us!

• [email protected]

Video Modal